Punch Through Design LightBlue Bean

This is a high quality, super low powered (long lasting on a coin-sided battery) programmable microcontroller (arduino) that you interface with using bluetooth. I like how you can make it go into sleep mode when it's disconnected from bluetooth and then come out of sleep when bluetooth reconnects. Great for tiny low-energy devices that you want to do things when you are in range. For example, I've rigged my car with one of these so that it unlocks the door when I'm next to it (i.e. when my cell phone is in bluetooth range) and locks when I'm out of bluetooth range. This little LightBlue Bean made it super easy to do.Even though it says it only has iOS support right now, they have an early release of the Android library which actually works great.

I love the Bean - it deserves better ratings than I see here. With an accelerometer, temp, beacon, and BTLE I can do a lot without needing to add additional components.The rumored battery drain - I can attest to the battery drain, but it lasts for several weeks of experimenting. Further (and like another review mentioned) the decreased battery life is due to the extensive use of serial, uploading of code, and extended operation of the LED while tinkering. As I complete my project I expect I will see months of use from a single battery. --In fact I wouldn't have bothered writing about this other than it seems to be on other reviewer's minds - which may be putting it on yours.Bottom line: I have yet to find a better little device that can match the Bean's form factor, versatility, features, and price point. I use it more than my RFduino and my RedBoard. I'll be buying more of these.

The bean has possibly progressed farther than other suppliers of Arduino/BlueTooth fusion parts because of the available apps. The Windows Bean Loader has been pretty fussy with many dropped connections but the iOS version works very smoothly.

The LightBlue Bean is an amazing training and teaching tool - and makes Internet of Things (IoT) easy! Love the fact that it has an accelerometer and a temperature sensor built in with the breadboard attached.

This is my favourite 3.3V Arduino clone. It's what got me interested Arduino in the first place. I like that I can program it without plugging it in, and the Bluetooth is super-easy to program for.

Just Like it

Great for tinkering and prototyping of electric products you have ideas for. Easy to program, add components and get up and running. Highly recommend for makers.

Good for simple prototyping but the performance isn't great overall. Even with code optimization it isn't power efficient.

Excellent product, with good online support.